LIVE
Sat, 15 July 2017
Social media videos: Action taken against 'unprofessional' soldiers
Timeline Refresh
21:25 Social media videos: Action taken against 'unprofessional' soldiers
The Army has taken action against some of its personnel found not behaving in a 'professional manner' after investigating videos of alleged excesses against Kashmiri youths, Lt Gen J S Sandhu said today.
However, some of these videos, which had surfaced on social media, were doctored to some extent and do not give the entire story, the General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based15 Corps said.
He also told reporters that 100-110 terrorists were active in the south Kashmir region according to police.
On the sidelines of an event here, the Lt Gen was asked what action was taken on several videos that purportedly showed Army personnel beating up youths and using abusive language.
"Some videos have surfaced (on social media) and we have investigated these. Wherever we've got concrete evidence against soldiers, action has been taken. Some of these videos are very old and some have been doctored to some extent and do not give the entire story," he said.
He said as far as the Army is concerned, it ensures that people continue working in a professional manner in the force.
"When I find persons not behaving in a professional way, we haul them up. That is my way of working. So when we are able to identify such personnel ... The Indian Army takes action against them," he said.
The Lt Gen said the brutal killing of a local Army officer, Lieutenant Umer Fayaz, in May did not deter Kashmiri youths from joining the force.
"We have not seen any change (in the response of the youth to recruitment rallies after the killing of the officer). The interest and the enthusiasm to join (the Army) is still very high," he said. -- PTI
However, some of these videos, which had surfaced on social media, were doctored to some extent and do not give the entire story, the General Officer Commanding of Srinagar-based15 Corps said.
He also told reporters that 100-110 terrorists were active in the south Kashmir region according to police.
On the sidelines of an event here, the Lt Gen was asked what action was taken on several videos that purportedly showed Army personnel beating up youths and using abusive language.
"Some videos have surfaced (on social media) and we have investigated these. Wherever we've got concrete evidence against soldiers, action has been taken. Some of these videos are very old and some have been doctored to some extent and do not give the entire story," he said.
He said as far as the Army is concerned, it ensures that people continue working in a professional manner in the force.
"When I find persons not behaving in a professional way, we haul them up. That is my way of working. So when we are able to identify such personnel ... The Indian Army takes action against them," he said.
The Lt Gen said the brutal killing of a local Army officer, Lieutenant Umer Fayaz, in May did not deter Kashmiri youths from joining the force.
"We have not seen any change (in the response of the youth to recruitment rallies after the killing of the officer). The interest and the enthusiasm to join (the Army) is still very high," he said. -- PTI
20:15
Market capitalisation graphic.
20:01 Muguruza thumps Venus to claim Wimbledon crown
Garbine Muguruza beat Venus Williams 7-5, 6-0 to win her first Wimbledon crown on Sunday.
The 23-year-old saved three set points to claim the first break of the match to take a 6-5 lead and then claim the first set 7-5.
The second set was a cakewalk for the Spaniard as Venus lost steam and sprayed the ball all over to go down tamely.
The 23-year-old saved three set points to claim the first break of the match to take a 6-5 lead and then claim the first set 7-5.
The second set was a cakewalk for the Spaniard as Venus lost steam and sprayed the ball all over to go down tamely.
20:00
All you need to know about how India's President is elected.
19:42 Actor Dileep refused bail; sent to judicial custody till Jul 25
A court in nearby Angamaly today refused bail to popular Malayalam actor Dileep, arrested in connection with the alleged abduction and assault of a South Indian actress, and sent him to judicial custody till July 25.
Opposing the bail plea moved by the actor's counsel, the prosecution informed the judicial magistrate court that there is strong evidence against Dileep and expressed apprehension that granting bail would lead to tampering of evidence and influencing witnesses as he is very influential.
It would also adversely affect the ongoing probe into the conspiracy behind the sensational case, the prosecution said. Special prosecutor A Sureshan alleged that supporters of Dileep have launched a strong campaign through social media hailing the actor, who is a prime suspect in the case.
If the actor is let out on bail, such campaigns, which have also targeted police, would be further strengthened, affecting the investigation, he said.
The prosecution alleged that the accused, charged under various sections of Indian Penal Code, including Section 120(B) (punishment of criminal conspiracy) has spoken to the media against the actress who was subjected to brutal assault in a moving car on February 17 and that if he was out on bail, that would be a threat to the victim.
The government lawyer also pointed out that no accused arrested in connection with the case had been granted bail.
Moreover, police are looking for two other persons -- Dileep's manager and a lawyer-- who are also suspected to have links with the key accused in the case, 'Pulsar' Suni.
The prosecution also submitted a case diary in the court in a sealed cover to strengthen its argument.
Considering the arguments of the prosecution, the court denied bail to Dileep and sent the actor to judicial custody till July 25.
Dileep's counsel said they would move a higher court seeking bail. The actor, brought to the court amid tight security on completion of three-day police custody, was later sent to a sub-jail in Aluva, which is also his home town.
The actor's counsel argued that his client was made an accused in the case merely on statements given by the first accused 'Pulsar' Suni, who is a habitual offender.
He alleged that there was no evidence against Dileep and he was being framed in the case.
Counsel also submitted a sealed cover with two mobile phones of Dileep to the court, with a plea to conduct a scientific examination of them without handing them over to police, as they would then be tampered with.
This move came even as police claimed that the phone used by the prime accused to take a video of assault of the actress reached Dileep through a lawyer allegedly connected with 'Pulsar' Suni.
Police reportedly conducted a search in the house of Dileep in search of the mobile phones.
Police had taken the 48-year-old actor, arrested on July 10, to various places in Kochi, Thrissur and Thodupuzha to carry out their investigation. -- PTI
IMAGE: Actor Dileep, arrested in connection with the abduction and assault of a popular Malayalam actress, being produced in a court. Photograph: PTI Photo
Opposing the bail plea moved by the actor's counsel, the prosecution informed the judicial magistrate court that there is strong evidence against Dileep and expressed apprehension that granting bail would lead to tampering of evidence and influencing witnesses as he is very influential.
It would also adversely affect the ongoing probe into the conspiracy behind the sensational case, the prosecution said. Special prosecutor A Sureshan alleged that supporters of Dileep have launched a strong campaign through social media hailing the actor, who is a prime suspect in the case.
If the actor is let out on bail, such campaigns, which have also targeted police, would be further strengthened, affecting the investigation, he said.
The prosecution alleged that the accused, charged under various sections of Indian Penal Code, including Section 120(B) (punishment of criminal conspiracy) has spoken to the media against the actress who was subjected to brutal assault in a moving car on February 17 and that if he was out on bail, that would be a threat to the victim.
The government lawyer also pointed out that no accused arrested in connection with the case had been granted bail.
Moreover, police are looking for two other persons -- Dileep's manager and a lawyer-- who are also suspected to have links with the key accused in the case, 'Pulsar' Suni.
The prosecution also submitted a case diary in the court in a sealed cover to strengthen its argument.
Considering the arguments of the prosecution, the court denied bail to Dileep and sent the actor to judicial custody till July 25.
Dileep's counsel said they would move a higher court seeking bail. The actor, brought to the court amid tight security on completion of three-day police custody, was later sent to a sub-jail in Aluva, which is also his home town.
The actor's counsel argued that his client was made an accused in the case merely on statements given by the first accused 'Pulsar' Suni, who is a habitual offender.
He alleged that there was no evidence against Dileep and he was being framed in the case.
Counsel also submitted a sealed cover with two mobile phones of Dileep to the court, with a plea to conduct a scientific examination of them without handing them over to police, as they would then be tampered with.
This move came even as police claimed that the phone used by the prime accused to take a video of assault of the actress reached Dileep through a lawyer allegedly connected with 'Pulsar' Suni.
Police reportedly conducted a search in the house of Dileep in search of the mobile phones.
Police had taken the 48-year-old actor, arrested on July 10, to various places in Kochi, Thrissur and Thodupuzha to carry out their investigation. -- PTI
IMAGE: Actor Dileep, arrested in connection with the abduction and assault of a popular Malayalam actress, being produced in a court. Photograph: PTI Photo
19:01 Goa desecration: Man held, says vandalised crosses 'casually'
The Goa police has arrested a 50-year-old man in connection with the alleged desecration of holy crosses in South Goa district, it said today.
The accused, Francis Pereira, had told the police that he 'casually' vandalised 12 crosses over the last fortnight with no intention to create an enmity, said a senior police officer.
The Christian religious symbol in at least 12 places and a temple had been vandalised in the South Goa district since July 1.
The police hoped that with Pereira's arrest, they would be able to crack over 150 cases of desecration of religious places reported from the state in the last 15 years.
Pereira, a resident of Curchorem village in South Goa, was arrested by the Special Investigation Team of Goa police last night while he was attempting to desecrate a cross at Curtorim village, around 20 km from his residence.
"A police team spotted Pereira attempting to damage the cross. On seeing the policemen, he tried to run away but the police managed to nab him," the senior officer told PTI.
"During the preliminary questioning, he admitted to have desecrated the crosses over the last fortnight," he added.
Talking to reporters at Curchorem town, Superintendent of Police (South) Arvind Gawas said, "We have cracked the biggest and longest-running case of desecrations in the state with the arrest of Pereira. With this, we will be able to solve over150 cases of desecration of religious places, which were reported over the last 15 years."
Pereira, who was convicted in an attempt to murder case earlier, had been living at Curchorem village after serving the jail term, he added.
Talking to reporters, Pereira said he had no intention to trigger an enmity with anyone by his act.
"I did it casually. Nothing was planned. I used to see across and hit it," he said.
Director General of Police Muktesh Chander said during the interrogation, the accused told the police that he had a plan to continue desecrating religious places in the state.
"He had plans of desecrating statues and religiousstructures," the DGP added. -- PTI
The accused, Francis Pereira, had told the police that he 'casually' vandalised 12 crosses over the last fortnight with no intention to create an enmity, said a senior police officer.
The Christian religious symbol in at least 12 places and a temple had been vandalised in the South Goa district since July 1.
The police hoped that with Pereira's arrest, they would be able to crack over 150 cases of desecration of religious places reported from the state in the last 15 years.
Pereira, a resident of Curchorem village in South Goa, was arrested by the Special Investigation Team of Goa police last night while he was attempting to desecrate a cross at Curtorim village, around 20 km from his residence.
"A police team spotted Pereira attempting to damage the cross. On seeing the policemen, he tried to run away but the police managed to nab him," the senior officer told PTI.
"During the preliminary questioning, he admitted to have desecrated the crosses over the last fortnight," he added.
Talking to reporters at Curchorem town, Superintendent of Police (South) Arvind Gawas said, "We have cracked the biggest and longest-running case of desecrations in the state with the arrest of Pereira. With this, we will be able to solve over150 cases of desecration of religious places, which were reported over the last 15 years."
Pereira, who was convicted in an attempt to murder case earlier, had been living at Curchorem village after serving the jail term, he added.
Talking to reporters, Pereira said he had no intention to trigger an enmity with anyone by his act.
"I did it casually. Nothing was planned. I used to see across and hit it," he said.
Director General of Police Muktesh Chander said during the interrogation, the accused told the police that he had a plan to continue desecrating religious places in the state.
"He had plans of desecrating statues and religiousstructures," the DGP added. -- PTI
18:13 Lance Naik killed in Pak firing in Rajouri
Pakistan once again violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Rajouri sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, in which a jawan was killed, the army said.
Lance Naik Mohammed Naseer was killed in unprovoked firing by Pakistan in Rajouri sector, the army said on Saturday.
This comes three days after two soldiers, members of an advance party of the Army, were killed in an attack near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Keran sector.
More details awaited. -- PTI, ANI
Lance Naik Mohammed Naseer was killed in unprovoked firing by Pakistan in Rajouri sector, the army said on Saturday.
This comes three days after two soldiers, members of an advance party of the Army, were killed in an attack near the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Keran sector.
More details awaited. -- PTI, ANI
18:05 Phoolka will not vote for Meira Kumar, here's why
Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and lawyer H S Phoolka on Saturday said he will not vote for Meira Kumar, the Opposition's nominee for the presidential election, despite his party supporting her and cited the 1984 anti-Sikh riots for his decision.
Phoolka, an MLA from Dakha seat, said he could not vote for the Congress-backed candidate as leaders like Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar, accused in the riots, were still 'occupying' positions in the party.
"I have been closely associated with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots (case) and if I vote for the Congress then people will think that the party has been pardoned for these riots. It can never be forgiven for it. Therefore, I will not vote for the Congress candidate," he said.
"I respect Meira (Kumar) ji, she is the daughter of Jagjivan Ram. I cannot support her as she is a Congress-backed candidate and leaders like Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar,against whom I have been fighting in the anti-Sikh riots(case), are still holding positions in the Congress," he said.
Phoolka, who is a senior Supreme Court lawyer, had recently resigned from his post as the leader of opposition in the Punjab Assembly to continue to appear in courts for the riot victims.
On being asked if by not voting for the Congress candidate he was not going against his party's decision, he said, "I cannot go against the party's decision of supporting the candidature of Kumar for presidential elections.Therefore, I will abstain from voting." -- PTI
Phoolka, an MLA from Dakha seat, said he could not vote for the Congress-backed candidate as leaders like Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar, accused in the riots, were still 'occupying' positions in the party.
"I have been closely associated with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots (case) and if I vote for the Congress then people will think that the party has been pardoned for these riots. It can never be forgiven for it. Therefore, I will not vote for the Congress candidate," he said.
"I respect Meira (Kumar) ji, she is the daughter of Jagjivan Ram. I cannot support her as she is a Congress-backed candidate and leaders like Jagdish Tytler and Sajjan Kumar,against whom I have been fighting in the anti-Sikh riots(case), are still holding positions in the Congress," he said.
Phoolka, who is a senior Supreme Court lawyer, had recently resigned from his post as the leader of opposition in the Punjab Assembly to continue to appear in courts for the riot victims.
On being asked if by not voting for the Congress candidate he was not going against his party's decision, he said, "I cannot go against the party's decision of supporting the candidature of Kumar for presidential elections.Therefore, I will abstain from voting." -- PTI
17:27 Pak should grant visa to Jadhav's mother: Daily
Pakistan should grant a visa to Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother on humanitarian grounds as it is an opportunity to lower the temperature in the ties and show that humanity can still shine, Pakistan's leading daily said today.
Pakistan has repeatedly denied India consular access to Jadhav, and his mother's visa application to visit Pakistan to see her son is pending with the authorities for approval.
In an editorial, the Dawn newspaper said the Pakistan government should grant Jadhav's mother a visa on humanitarian grounds to demonstrate 'humanity can still shine through'.
It said the visa application was the 'latest opportunity' for the two countries to back away from an increasingly confrontational stance against each other.
'A meeting between mother and son is very different to granting consular access, which is any case being litigated by India in the International Court of Justice,' the paper said, asserting that the meeting would not undermine Pakistan's case against Jadhav.
'Small gestures can have a way of lowering the temperature in the overall relationship between India and Pakistan and opening the door to further sensible measures. Pakistan and India are caught in a trough in relations; the request by Jadhav's mother is an opportunity for both sides to show that humanity can still shine,' it said.
Jadhav on June 22 filed a mercy petition before Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
He had been sentenced to death by a military court in April for espionage and terrorism. International Court of Justice in May halted his execution on India's appeal.
Pakistan claims to have arrested Jadhav from Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran.
However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy. -- PTI
Pakistan has repeatedly denied India consular access to Jadhav, and his mother's visa application to visit Pakistan to see her son is pending with the authorities for approval.
In an editorial, the Dawn newspaper said the Pakistan government should grant Jadhav's mother a visa on humanitarian grounds to demonstrate 'humanity can still shine through'.
It said the visa application was the 'latest opportunity' for the two countries to back away from an increasingly confrontational stance against each other.
'A meeting between mother and son is very different to granting consular access, which is any case being litigated by India in the International Court of Justice,' the paper said, asserting that the meeting would not undermine Pakistan's case against Jadhav.
'Small gestures can have a way of lowering the temperature in the overall relationship between India and Pakistan and opening the door to further sensible measures. Pakistan and India are caught in a trough in relations; the request by Jadhav's mother is an opportunity for both sides to show that humanity can still shine,' it said.
Jadhav on June 22 filed a mercy petition before Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
He had been sentenced to death by a military court in April for espionage and terrorism. International Court of Justice in May halted his execution on India's appeal.
Pakistan claims to have arrested Jadhav from Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran.
However, India maintains that he was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy. -- PTI
17:04 Kulgam: CRPF personnel injured in grenade attack on patrolling party
JUST IN: Terrorists lobbed a grenade on a patrolling party of police and Central Reserve Police Force in Laroo area of Jammu and Kashmir's Kulgam district on Saturday.
One CRPF personnel has been injured in the attack.
A suspect has been apprehended from the spot and interrogation is underway.
More details awaited. -- ANI
Image for representation only.
One CRPF personnel has been injured in the attack.
A suspect has been apprehended from the spot and interrogation is underway.
More details awaited. -- ANI
Image for representation only.
16:39 Imam Bukhari writes to Sharif, urges him to 'end volatile atmosphere in Kashmir'
The Shahi Imam of the Jama Masjid in the Walled City of Delhi, Syed Ahmed Bukhari, has written a letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in which he has urged him to use his authority to end the volatile atmosphere in the Kashmir Valley by initiating dialogue with Hurriyat representatives.
"The Kashmir situation is becoming volatile day by day, resulting in an increase in tensions between the two countries (India and Pakistan) as days pass. I think that more delay in the creation of a favorable environment for peace shall make the settlement of the Kashmir issue more difficult," Bukhari said in his letter to Sharif.
"Therefore, with all the intellect, wisdom and prudence at our disposal, we must make every effort to safe Kashmir from the dangerous destruction and devastation it faces and pave the way for the establishment of peace there. The common people of Kashmir are in a state of terror and helplessness as they find their dreams for peace shattered," he added.
Bukhari further said that, 'As a paradise on earth, the once peaceful valley known for its joyous life has today become a valley of tears Thousands of people are living, under the shadow of AK-47, a life besieged by bloodshed.'
'Today, it has become unbelievable that people all over the world once considered the Kashmir Valley as the paradise on earth as today it has become an abattoir. This game of death and destruction is making the situation graver. The only realistic recourse is peace and parleys,' he wrote.
Maintaining that millions of Indian Muslims are facing a trying situation, Bukhari appealed to Nawaz Sharif to ease tension on the borders, normalise the situation and initiate a dialogue with the Hurriyat representatives.
He warned and cautioned that the Kashmir issue can neither be solved through guns and stones nor through military expeditions.
'We should create an environment conducive for the talks at the earliest. Through exchange of views and dialogue on the larger issues, we all should formulate a strategy that is in the interest of both nations,' he said.
'What I perceive in the context of the current situation is that positive measures aimed to ensure the dialogue process are needed, keeping in view the interests of the two countries and their people . I request you to kindly persuade the militant youth and Hurriyat leaders to agree for a ceasefire through your good offices and influence,' he concluded. -- ANI
"The Kashmir situation is becoming volatile day by day, resulting in an increase in tensions between the two countries (India and Pakistan) as days pass. I think that more delay in the creation of a favorable environment for peace shall make the settlement of the Kashmir issue more difficult," Bukhari said in his letter to Sharif.
"Therefore, with all the intellect, wisdom and prudence at our disposal, we must make every effort to safe Kashmir from the dangerous destruction and devastation it faces and pave the way for the establishment of peace there. The common people of Kashmir are in a state of terror and helplessness as they find their dreams for peace shattered," he added.
Bukhari further said that, 'As a paradise on earth, the once peaceful valley known for its joyous life has today become a valley of tears Thousands of people are living, under the shadow of AK-47, a life besieged by bloodshed.'
'Today, it has become unbelievable that people all over the world once considered the Kashmir Valley as the paradise on earth as today it has become an abattoir. This game of death and destruction is making the situation graver. The only realistic recourse is peace and parleys,' he wrote.
Maintaining that millions of Indian Muslims are facing a trying situation, Bukhari appealed to Nawaz Sharif to ease tension on the borders, normalise the situation and initiate a dialogue with the Hurriyat representatives.
He warned and cautioned that the Kashmir issue can neither be solved through guns and stones nor through military expeditions.
'We should create an environment conducive for the talks at the earliest. Through exchange of views and dialogue on the larger issues, we all should formulate a strategy that is in the interest of both nations,' he said.
'What I perceive in the context of the current situation is that positive measures aimed to ensure the dialogue process are needed, keeping in view the interests of the two countries and their people . I request you to kindly persuade the militant youth and Hurriyat leaders to agree for a ceasefire through your good offices and influence,' he concluded. -- ANI
16:09 Big part of NH2, lifeline of Manipur, washed away in landslide
A major portion of the National Highway 2 between Nagaland and Manipur was completely washed away on Saturday after a landslide occurred near Viswema village in Nagaland's Kohima district, police said.
The landslide occurred in the morning about 200 meters away from Viswema village, a police officer said.
Traffic movement came to a standstill since 70 meters of the road was washed away by the landslide.
National Highway 2 happens to be the lifeline of Manipur since all goods vehicles, passenger vehicles and supplies reach the state through this route.
The villagers have constructed a temporary footpath after the landslide so that people could cross the affected portion.
The villagers also started helping stranded commuters by carrying their baggage from one side to the other.
Efforts were on to repair the road with the help of Border Road Task Force, the police officer said. -- PTI
IMAGE: NH2 completely cut off in Kohima district's Viswema village due to landslide. Photograph: ANI
The landslide occurred in the morning about 200 meters away from Viswema village, a police officer said.
Traffic movement came to a standstill since 70 meters of the road was washed away by the landslide.
National Highway 2 happens to be the lifeline of Manipur since all goods vehicles, passenger vehicles and supplies reach the state through this route.
The villagers have constructed a temporary footpath after the landslide so that people could cross the affected portion.
The villagers also started helping stranded commuters by carrying their baggage from one side to the other.
Efforts were on to repair the road with the help of Border Road Task Force, the police officer said. -- PTI
IMAGE: NH2 completely cut off in Kohima district's Viswema village due to landslide. Photograph: ANI
16:02 Tral encounter: 3rd terrorist killed, one more trapped in cave
JUST IN: One more terrorist has been reported killed in the ongoing encounter in the Satora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Tral district.
One more terrorist is believed to be holed up inside a cave on a hillock.
Body of one terrorist has been recovered.
The operation is on. More details awaited.
Image only for representation.
One more terrorist is believed to be holed up inside a cave on a hillock.
Body of one terrorist has been recovered.
The operation is on. More details awaited.
Image only for representation.
15:43 We stood united, thank you all: Mehbooba on Amarnath attack
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday expressed her gratitude to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and to the people of the nation for extending their support at the time of crisis in the Valley.
"I am thankful to all for standing by our side at the time of such crisis. The home minister and the entire country supported throughout. Until all the political parties and nation come together, we cannot win this fight. It is not a law and order fight in Kashmir, but external forces are included in this war, whose intention is to disturb the peace of the state," Mehbooba said.
"The entire state stood united, for which I would like to thank the people of the state and everybody else," she added.
Commenting on the implementation of the goods and services tax along with considering Article 370, Mehbooba said when the Bill was passed, President Pranab Mukherjee reaffirmed that special care be taken of Article 370.
"Article 370 is connected with the emotions and feelings of the people of Kashmir," she said.
Earlier today, Mehbooba met Rajnath to discuss the chaos going on in the Valley.Kashmir has been witnessing a state of tension and violence. -- ANI
"I am thankful to all for standing by our side at the time of such crisis. The home minister and the entire country supported throughout. Until all the political parties and nation come together, we cannot win this fight. It is not a law and order fight in Kashmir, but external forces are included in this war, whose intention is to disturb the peace of the state," Mehbooba said.
"The entire state stood united, for which I would like to thank the people of the state and everybody else," she added.
Commenting on the implementation of the goods and services tax along with considering Article 370, Mehbooba said when the Bill was passed, President Pranab Mukherjee reaffirmed that special care be taken of Article 370.
"Article 370 is connected with the emotions and feelings of the people of Kashmir," she said.
Earlier today, Mehbooba met Rajnath to discuss the chaos going on in the Valley.Kashmir has been witnessing a state of tension and violence. -- ANI
15:36 Tral encounter still on; 2 more terrorists holed-up
Terrorists and security forces are engaged in a fierce encounter in the Satora area of Jammu and Kashmir's Tral district.
One to two terrorists are believed to be holed up inside a cave on a hillock.
Earlier in the day, two terrorists were killed by the forces.Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police S P Vaid on Saturday said that the Tral encounter is still on, and added that the name of outfit is unknown, but could be the Jaish-e-Mohammed.
"The encounter is still on. There was an input about a couple of militants in that area. The exact outfit is not known but most probably they are foreign militants. It must be Jaish-e-Mohammed," Vaid told ANI.
He further said that some of them had entered in a cave.
"I hope some more will be eliminated," he added.
Troops of 180 Bn, 42 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG) Tral on the specific information of presence of two to three terrorists went for a special cordon and search operations at around 7.15 am.
The encounter started with the militants at around 8 am. -- ANI
One to two terrorists are believed to be holed up inside a cave on a hillock.
Earlier in the day, two terrorists were killed by the forces.Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police S P Vaid on Saturday said that the Tral encounter is still on, and added that the name of outfit is unknown, but could be the Jaish-e-Mohammed.
"The encounter is still on. There was an input about a couple of militants in that area. The exact outfit is not known but most probably they are foreign militants. It must be Jaish-e-Mohammed," Vaid told ANI.
He further said that some of them had entered in a cave.
"I hope some more will be eliminated," he added.
Troops of 180 Bn, 42 Rashtriya Rifles and Special Operations Group (SOG) Tral on the specific information of presence of two to three terrorists went for a special cordon and search operations at around 7.15 am.
The encounter started with the militants at around 8 am. -- ANI
15:06 On 31st day of shutdown, Darjeeling tense but violence-free
Pro-Gorkhaland activists took out rallies in Darjeeling as security forces maintained tight vigil across the hills today -- the 31st day of the indefinite shutdown for a separate state.
No incident of violence or arson was reported by the police this morning, but the hills remained on the edge, a day after agitators went on a rampage, setting afire an RPF office, a state-run library and a police outpost in Darjeeling.
With the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, the spearhead of the statehood agitation, planning rallies today in various places, the police and security forces patrolled the streets of the hills and kept a tight vigil at all entry and exit routes.
Except medical shops, business establishments, restaurants, hotels, schools and colleges remained closed.
Meanwhile, the district administration has extended the ban on internet services till July 25.
The ban was imposed on June 18. With food supply severely hit due to the indefinite strike, which entered the 31st day today, the GJM and various NGOs of the hills distributed food items among people. -- PTI
No incident of violence or arson was reported by the police this morning, but the hills remained on the edge, a day after agitators went on a rampage, setting afire an RPF office, a state-run library and a police outpost in Darjeeling.
With the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha, the spearhead of the statehood agitation, planning rallies today in various places, the police and security forces patrolled the streets of the hills and kept a tight vigil at all entry and exit routes.
Except medical shops, business establishments, restaurants, hotels, schools and colleges remained closed.
Meanwhile, the district administration has extended the ban on internet services till July 25.
The ban was imposed on June 18. With food supply severely hit due to the indefinite strike, which entered the 31st day today, the GJM and various NGOs of the hills distributed food items among people. -- PTI
14:07 16th batch of 3,398 pilgrims leave for Amarnath from Jammu
Amid tight security, the sixteenth batch of 3,398 pilgrims today left Jammu for the 3,888-metre Amarnath cave shrine of Lord Shiva in the south Kashmir Himalayas.
Escorted by the Central Reserve Police Force and police, the batch consisting of 2,535 males, 758 females, 100 sadhus and sadhvis, and five transgenders left in a convoy of 191 vehicles for Baltal and Pahalgam base camps this morning, officials said.
With today's batch, a total of 50,028 pilgrims have left Jammu for Amarnath in 16 batches since the yatra began from Jammu on June 28.
Over 1,86,853 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine till last evening.
The yatra will conclude on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) on August 7. -- PTI
Escorted by the Central Reserve Police Force and police, the batch consisting of 2,535 males, 758 females, 100 sadhus and sadhvis, and five transgenders left in a convoy of 191 vehicles for Baltal and Pahalgam base camps this morning, officials said.
With today's batch, a total of 50,028 pilgrims have left Jammu for Amarnath in 16 batches since the yatra began from Jammu on June 28.
Over 1,86,853 pilgrims have paid obeisance at the cave shrine till last evening.
The yatra will conclude on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) on August 7. -- PTI
13:35 Explosive in UP House: ATS team finds pan masala packets all over
Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad team conducts thorough search at the assembly, where explosive material was found on Friday.
"ATS conducted an extensive security check-up of the assembly on July 14, pan masala packets etc were found at many places. A media report possibly mentioned of a packet with magnesium sulphate, ATS has seized it, will be sent for test if need be," the agency said on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the state government on Saturday requested the Union home ministry to undertake a further investigation of the explosive material found inside the assembly.
National Investigation Agency sources reveal that when the MHA issues the formal order for it to investigate, the agency will re-register the case and begin a probe from all angles.
Yesterday, security was beefed up at the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly after explosive powder Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN), was found inside the assembly complex.
Now, entry has been prohibited to those who do not have a pass.
Everyone entering the secretariat is being thoroughly checked. -- ANI
IMAGE: NIA team outside Uttar Pradesh assembly in Lucknow on Friday. Photograph: Nand Kumar/PTI Photo
"ATS conducted an extensive security check-up of the assembly on July 14, pan masala packets etc were found at many places. A media report possibly mentioned of a packet with magnesium sulphate, ATS has seized it, will be sent for test if need be," the agency said on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the state government on Saturday requested the Union home ministry to undertake a further investigation of the explosive material found inside the assembly.
National Investigation Agency sources reveal that when the MHA issues the formal order for it to investigate, the agency will re-register the case and begin a probe from all angles.
Yesterday, security was beefed up at the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly after explosive powder Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN), was found inside the assembly complex.
Now, entry has been prohibited to those who do not have a pass.
Everyone entering the secretariat is being thoroughly checked. -- ANI
IMAGE: NIA team outside Uttar Pradesh assembly in Lucknow on Friday. Photograph: Nand Kumar/PTI Photo
12:59 Mehbooba meets Rajnath to discuss Kashmir situation
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss the law and order situation in the state and security to Amarnath pilgrims, officials said.
During the meeting that lasted about half-an-hour, the chief minister apprised the home minister about the steps taken to maintain peace in the Kashmir Valley.
Steps taken to ensure the security of Amarnath pilgrims were also discussed, officials said.
Security agencies engaged in anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir have been told to implement security plans with full vigour, officials said.
So far, more than 1.86 lakh pilgrims have visited the high altitude Himalayan shrine.
As many as 21,000 paramilitary personnel in addition to state police forces and two battalions of Army have been deployed for security of the pilgrimage routes. -- PTI
During the meeting that lasted about half-an-hour, the chief minister apprised the home minister about the steps taken to maintain peace in the Kashmir Valley.
Steps taken to ensure the security of Amarnath pilgrims were also discussed, officials said.
Security agencies engaged in anti-militancy operations in Jammu and Kashmir have been told to implement security plans with full vigour, officials said.
So far, more than 1.86 lakh pilgrims have visited the high altitude Himalayan shrine.
As many as 21,000 paramilitary personnel in addition to state police forces and two battalions of Army have been deployed for security of the pilgrimage routes. -- PTI
12:16 Bihar rift widens, Tejashwi skips event attended by Nitish
The rift between Bihar's ruling alliance was widened on Saturday with Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav skipping an event where he was to share dais with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Tejashwi's name plate was earlier covered, and then removed, at the 'Vishwa Yuva Kaushal Divas' in Patna, which was to be attended by Kumar.
Tejashwi's name was mentioned in the invitation.
Earlier, The Janata Dal-United ramped up pressure on alliance partner Rashtriya Janata Dal over the corruption case involving Tejashwi Yadav, asking it to come clean on the allegations against him.
Tejashwi, son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, has been named by the CBI as an accused in its probe into the land-for-hotels scam case.
State JD-U chief spokesman Sanjay Singh said the RJD should provide facts and not 'display arrogance' of having 80 MLAs in the 243-member Bihar assembly.
The JD-U also said that Nitish will not compromise on corruption.
However, RJD supreme Lalu Yadav later informed that Tejashwi will not resign. -- ANI, PTI
Tejashwi's name plate was earlier covered, and then removed, at the 'Vishwa Yuva Kaushal Divas' in Patna, which was to be attended by Kumar.
Tejashwi's name was mentioned in the invitation.
Earlier, The Janata Dal-United ramped up pressure on alliance partner Rashtriya Janata Dal over the corruption case involving Tejashwi Yadav, asking it to come clean on the allegations against him.
Tejashwi, son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, has been named by the CBI as an accused in its probe into the land-for-hotels scam case.
State JD-U chief spokesman Sanjay Singh said the RJD should provide facts and not 'display arrogance' of having 80 MLAs in the 243-member Bihar assembly.
The JD-U also said that Nitish will not compromise on corruption.
However, RJD supreme Lalu Yadav later informed that Tejashwi will not resign. -- ANI, PTI
11:11 US House imposes tougher conditions on defence funding to Pakistan
The US House of Representatives has voted for three legislative amendments to impose tougher conditions for reimbursement of defence funding to Pakistan, making it conditional to Islamabad showing satisfactory progress in the fight against terrorism.
The conditions are related to Pakistan's support to terrorists and terror outfits, about which several top US officials and lawmakers have repeatedly expressed concern about in the past.
All the three legislative amendments to the USD 651 billion National Defence Authorisation Act 2018 were adopted by a voice vote by the lower house of the Congress yesterday.
NDAA-2018, which authorises the annual defence expenses for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2017 was adopted by the House 344-81.
The bill, as passed by the House requires the Secretary of Defence to certify, prior to making any reimbursement to Pakistan, that Islamabad is maintaining security along the Ground Lines of Communication through Pakistan, taking demonstrable steps to support counterterrorism operations, disrupting cross border attacks, and countering the threat of improvised explosive devices.
It also specifies that of the total amount of reimbursement and support authorised for Pakistan during the period beginning on October 1, 2017, and ending on December 31, 2018 -- USD 400 million -- would not be eligible for a national security waiver unless the Secretary of Defence certifies that Pakistan continues to conduct military operations against the Haqqani Network in North Waziristan.
The Defence Secretary also needs to certify that Pakistan is demonstrating commitment to preventing the Haqqani network from using North Waziristan as a safe haven, and is actively coordinating with the Government of Afghanistan to restrict the movement of militants, including the Haqqani Network, along the Pak-Afghan border.
Two of these amendments were moved by Congressman Dana Rohrabacher and one by Ted Poe.
"Today, Congress took a step forward to end Pakistan's betrayal of the US with the addition of an additional certification requirement," said Poe, a Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman of Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation & Trade.
10:13 Amarnath yatra attack: PDP MLA's driver detained
The Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday detained a cop who serves as a driver for PDP MLA Aijaz Ahmad Mir for questioning in connection with this week's terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims.
After picking up Touseef Ahmad, a resident of Pulwama, police said the detention was related to a militancy case.
Seven pilgrims were killed and 21 injured in the attack on bus of pilgrims near Batengoo in Anantnag on Monday.
Touseef was deputed as the MLA's driver from the security wing of J&K police some seven months ago. IGP Muneer Kahn said Touseef, who has been found to have links with militants, is being questioned.
A six-member special investigation team was constituted by J&K police to probe into the attack.
09:52 China's jailed Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo's body cremated
China's Nobel laureate Liu Xiaobo, who died while in custody following a battle with cancer, was cremated today, officials said.
The 61-year-old human rights activist died due to multiple organ failure following a battle with liver cancer on Thursday.
Family members and friends of Liu bade farewell to him in northeast China's Shenyang city, officials were quoted as saying by the local media.
After the farewell, Liu's body was cremated in accordance with the will of his family members and local customs, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.
Prior to the cremation, a simple ceremony was held with the attendance of Liu's wife Liu Xia and his friends, the report said.
Liu, China's best-known human rights prisoner, was granted medical parole in June after receiving his diagnosis in prison, but China did not let him seek treatment abroad despite Liu's wishes and international pressure.
The Nobel Peace Prize laureate, who spent his last eight years as a prisoner of conscience died at a hospital in Shenyang, China.
Liu's death led to international criticism of China's handling of the issue.
08:50 2 terrorists killed in encounter in J&K's Pulwama district
Two terrorists were killed in an encounter by security forces in Tral area of Pulwama district in Kashmir.
More details are awaited.
Security forces have killed 102 terrorists till now this year, making it the highest number of killings in the January-July period in seven years.
The killing of 102 terrorists till July 12 makes it the highest number in the past seven years, the official said.
Earlier in 2010, the highest number of 156 militants were killed between January and July that year.
The security forces also have prepared a hit-list of several other terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen.
08:30 US House passes $700 billion bill on defence co-operation with India
The US House of Representatives has passed a USD 621.5 billion defence policy bill that proposes to advance defence cooperation with India.
An amendment in this regard, moved by Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera, was adopted by a voice vote by the House as part of the National Defense Authorisation Act 2018, beginning October 1 this year. NDAA-2018 was passed by the House 344-81.
The India-related amendment passed by the House requires the Secretary of Defence, in consultation with the Secretary of State, to develop a strategy for advancing defence cooperation between the United States and India.
"The United States is the world's oldest democracy and India is the world's largest democracy. It is vitally important to develop a strategy that advances defence cooperation between our two nations," Bera said.
"I am grateful this amendment passed and look forward to the Defence Department's strategy that addresses critical issues like common security challenges, the role of partners and allies, and areas for collaboration in science and technology," he said.
"Cooperation between the US and India enhances our own defence and our ability to meet the evolving security challenges of the 21st century," Bera said.
Following the passage of the National Defence Authorisation Act, the Secretary of Defence and Secretary of State have 180 days to develop a strategy for advancing defence cooperation between the United States and India.
NDAA needs to be passed by the Senate before it can be sent to the White House for the US President Donald Trump to sign into law.
00:20 India's 2011 WC heroes slam Ranatunga's fixing charge
India's World Cup heroes found former Sri Lanka captain Arjuna Ranatunga's demand for an inquiry into the 2011 final as "outrageous". India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets to win their second World Cup title in 50-over cricket.
Ranatunga, in a video posted on his Facebook page, said: "I was also in India giving commentaries at the time. When we lost, I was distressed and I had a doubt.
"We must investigate what happened to Sri Lanka at the 2011 World Cup final. I cannot reveal everything now, but one day I will. There must be an inquiry."
However some of the Indian cricketers are not exactly amused with Ranatunga's demands, which also in a way undermines their effort.
Gautam Gambhir feels that Ranatunga should back his allegations with evidence.
"I am surprised by Arjuna Ranatunga's allegations. These are serious comments by a very respectable voice in international cricket. I think to clear the air, he should back his claims with proofs," Gambhir, who top-scored for India with 97 in the final, said.
Ashish Nehra, a key member of the 2011 World Cup winning team, said that one should not pay much attention to these kind of statements.
"I don't wish to dignify Ranatunga's comments by airing my views on the issue. There is no end to these kind of statements. If I question Sri Lanka's 1996 World Cup victory, is it in good taste? So let's not get into it. But yes, it is disappointing when someone of his stature says something like this," Nehra told PTI.
00:17 Top headlines at this hour
- Tejashwi won't resign, grand alliance is intact: Lalu
- Everybody has the right to eat beef: NDA minister
- Everybody has the right to eat beef: NDA minister
Missed yesterday's commentary, click HERE
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances